National Register Listing

Hillsdale Downtown Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Hillsdale County Courthouse;Hillsdale Post Office

Roughly bounded by Ferriss, Cook, E. Bacon, S. Howell, Waldron, N. Manning, Monroe and Hillsdale Sts. and Carlton Rd., Hillsdale, MI
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
  A brief timeline of the history of the Republic of Texas
  • 1821: The Mexican War of Independence concludes, and Mexico gains independence from Spain. Texas is a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico.
  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes the Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
  • 1826: A group of American settlers, known as the Fredonian Rebellion, attempt to establish an independent state in Texas. The rebellion is short-lived and quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
  • 1830: The Mexican government, concerned about the growing number of American settlers in Texas, passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes restrictions on further American immigration to Texas.
  • 1835: Tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government escalate, leading to the Texas Revolution. The Texian rebels, led by figures such as Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, engage in battles against Mexican forces.
  • 1836: On March 2, the Texian delegates at the Convention of 1836 declare independence from Mexico and establish the Republic of Texas. Sam Houston is elected as the first President of Texas. The Battle of the Alamo takes place in February-March, where a small Texian garrison defends the Alamo Mission against a large Mexican army. Despite their defeat, the battle becomes a symbol of Texian resistance.
  • 1836-1838: The Republic of Texas faces a series of military conflicts with Mexico, including the Goliad Massacre and the Battle of San Jacinto. The decisive Texian victory at San Jacinto secures their independence and captures Mexican General Santa Anna, who signs the Treaties of Velasco recognizing Texas as an independent nation.
  • 1836-1845: The Republic of Texas operates as an independent nation, establishing a constitution, government, and capital at various locations including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, and eventually, Houston. Efforts to join the United States face opposition due to fears of potential conflict with Mexico.
  • 1845: Texas agrees to annexation and becomes the 28th state of the United States on December 29, 1845, following approval by the U.S. Congress. This leads to the Mexican-American War in 1846.
Although the Republic of Texas was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1836 to 1845, it played a significant role in shaping the history of Texas and its eventual integration into the United States.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

community planning and development commerce architecture gravesites Texas Revolution Republic of Texas writers and poets
Michigan was the site of the deadliest school massacre in American history. In 1927, a school board member in Bath, Michigan, named Andrew Kehoe detonated explosives he had planted in the local school, killing 38 children and six adults. Kehoe had also killed his wife and set fire to his farm before carrying out the attack.
Michigan random facts
Hillsdale County, MI is located in southern Michigan and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Ottawa people. European settlers began moving into the area in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming.

In 1829, the county was officially established and named after the hills that dominate the landscape. The early years of Hillsdale County were marked by rapid growth and development, with the establishment of the county seat in the town of Hillsdale in 1839. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further spurred economic growth, fostering trade and attracting new industries to the region.

During the Civil War, Hillsdale County played an important role, with many of its residents enlisting in the Union Army. The county also saw significant political activity during this time, as it became a hotbed of abolitionist sentiment. The Hillsdale County Anti-Slavery Society was established in 1840, and the local college, Hillsdale College, became a center for anti-slavery activities.

In the 20th century, Hillsdale County continued to thrive economically, with the automobile industry playing a significant role in its growth. The area also became known for its vibrant agricultural community, with dairy farming and crop production becoming major industries. Today, Hillsdale County remains a quaint and close-knit community, with a strong agricultural heritage and a dedication to preservation of its historic buildings and landmarks.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Hillsdale County, Michigan.

  • 1829: Hillsdale County is established on October 29.
  • 1834: The first courthouse is constructed in Hillsdale.
  • 1835: The Michigan Southern Railroad reaches Hillsdale.
  • 1844: Hillsdale College is founded.
  • 1867: The Michigan State Normal School (now Hillsdale College) is established.
  • 1882: The Hillsdale Daily News is first published.
  • 1950: The Hillsdale County Fair begins.
  • 1967: Hillsdale Community Health Center opens.
  • 1974: The railroad tracks through Hillsdale are removed.
  • 1981: The Hillsdale County Historical Society is formed.
  • 2009: A new hospital, Hillsdale Hospital, is built in Hillsdale.